panels

The TV Guide Network seems to be really trying to increase their original content, and they seem to be doing it the right way. And I'm not saying it because I've appeared on the channel. No, it's because they're really trying to go beyond just having listings scroll on the bottom of the screen and presenting red carpet arrival specials. They're acquiring shows, treating them right, and adding value to them.

Take the case of the network's acquisition of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' Not only did the network decide to run each episode in its entirety in a one-hour timeslot, a good move considering that Larry David would have tore what's left of his hair out trying to edit them, they've decided to fill the hour with panel discussions that relate to the "issues" brought up during the episode.

Among the announced panelists are going to be Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Hamm, Seth Green, Rob Zonbie, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Carolla and Patti Stanger (yes, the 'Millionaire Matchmaker' herself will weigh in on 'Curb's' issues). The panels will be hosted by Susie Essman.